Azidofluoromethane: synthesis, stability and reactivity in [3 + 2] cycloadditions

Abstract

Azidofluoromethane was prepared for the first time by the nucleophilic displacement of bromofluoromethane with sodium azide. This volatile and unstable compound was isolated by low temperature vacuum distillation with a suitable solvent and fully characterized. Theoretical calculations of its decomposition activation energies and rate constants were performed and the values were compared to those for azidomethane, azidodifluoromethane and azidotrifluoromethane. Azidofluoromethane underwent [3 + 2] cycloadditions with alkynes, 1,3-diones and β-ketoesters to furnish 1-fluoromethyl-1,2,3-triazoles.